Dr Brigid Corrigan speaks with the ABC on overseas cosmetic surgery
Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon and President of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Dr Brigid Corrigan, recently spoke with ABC News and ABC Radio’s AM program about overseas cosmetic surgery companies promoting their services to Australians.
The story followed the cancellation of a Sydney event, where prospective patients had been invited to meet overseas doctors who were not registered to practise in Australia. The event was called off after the ABC raised questions about it. Under national law, doctors who are not registered in Australia cannot provide medical consultations or services here.
Dr Corrigan said the event raised both ethical and regulatory concerns. She reminded Australians that “cosmetic surgery is real surgery”, and that it can be difficult to confirm whether an overseas surgeon has the same level of training and experience as an Australian specialist. She also highlighted an important practical question for anyone considering surgery abroad: who will provide follow-up care if a complication arises after returning home?
Dr Corrigan also spoke about the difference in advertising rules. Australian-registered practitioners must follow strict national guidelines, including a ban on testimonials and a requirement that any before-and-after images are realistic. Overseas companies recruiting Australian patients are not bound by the same rules. She called for a level playing field so the same standards apply to all providers actively seeking patients in Australia.
Considering a cosmetic procedure?
Whether you are considering treatment in Australia or overseas, Dr Corrigan encourages you to:
- Check your surgeon’s qualifications and registration
- Understand the risks, recovery and any follow-up care involved
- Seek a second medical opinion before making a decision
- Plan for how any complications would be managed after surgery
If you have questions about a procedure, speak with your GP or a qualified specialist.
Read and listen to the full coverage:
